Portraits of the Valley

It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them the fundamental questions about who they are and how they became the person they are today. Understanding and empathy are essential building blocks for a better, more compassionate world. We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to ask these questions each week through our interview series. Below you’ll find inspiring interviews from in and around the Valley.

Bianca Franco

Since I was little, I always loved to sing and write. My dad is a musician and a singer, and he always had a huge impact on me in that way. I loved the feeling of singing and the emotions that came with it, but I never thought I was good enough so I kept it to myself. Read more>>

Casey Abrams

I came from the small mountain town of Idyllwild, where I studied jazz and music at the local, well established high school, Idyllwild Arts. I learned upright bass and piano from jazz legend Marshal Hawkins, who played with Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and more. He presented me with the Sam Karam award for outstanding musical ability in ’09. Read more>>

Charlie Wood

Let’s go from the top. Way back in the 20th century, I was born and raised in Sherman Oaks in the sprawling county of Los Angeles, and I grew up as the youngest of four in a blended artistic and musical family. Read more>>

Hector Mendoza

I started off in my photography career as an intern for How To Be Social during my time at the University of North Texas (UNT) back in 2019 where I learned the ins and outs of the camera and immediately fell in love. After the pandemic, my life had changed radically as I was out of college, in grad school, and halfway across the country. Read more>>

Tommy Senter

I have always been musically inclined. I started playing piano when I was 5, and it was all downhill from there. I obsessively immersed myself in whatever instrument I could get my hands on. My family was very musical, so it was a pretty organic fit. Read more>>

Jonathan Rivera

I’ve always had a thing for motorcycles, Harley Davidson Motorcycles to be exact. Living in a city where it’s mostly sunny all year round I saw a lot of them growing up so the itch to start riding was there early. Watching Sons of Anarchy with my dad only fueled the fire. Read more>>

Karim Dakkon

My first exposure to the arts came at an early age. I was passionate about music and painting, interests that have stayed with me into adulthood. Growing up in the late ’90s and 2000s in South Florida, cameras felt a little more magical. Read more>>

Dominique Colding

My story has always lived somewhere between the page, the stage, and the unseen. I’m originally from Washington, D.C., and I relocated to the Greater Los Angeles area in 2009, carrying with me a lifelong love of words, performance, and the way storytelling can help us make sense of what we feel. Read more>>

Sharon Jensen-Cody

My fascination with birth work began many years ago when I witnessed my sister’s birth as a teenager. This early experience ignited a lifelong interest in the science behind human development and biology. I pursued this passion by earning an undergraduate degree in Biology, followed by a PhD in Molecular Medicine. Read more>>

Fox and Jeff Garza

Foxhole Denim is a Los Angeles-based but bicoastal to Oklahoma, vintage denim studio specializing in expertly sourced, restored, and customized jeans and jackets. Founded by ‘Fox’ and Jeff, the brand is built on a passion for craftsmanship, sustainability, and preserving the character of authentic denim. Read more>>

Youra Ghazalian

My family started in 2004. Growing up in an Armenian household, coffee was essential in our daily lives. We wanted to share that experience with the Glendale community. We are grateful to have served our community for over 22 years. Read more>>

Anna Giudice

started my career as a designer, working across branding, publishing, architecture, exhibitions, and film. Although the projects were very different, I realized they all revolved around the same question: how do people actually experience what we create? Working in film made that question even more compelling. I saw how space, light, color, sound, and movement could completely transform the way an audience perceives a story. Read more>>

Clayton WIlliam

Clayton William is a Grammy nominated & Billboard charting music producer/ Dj, engineer, songwriter, Remixer and A&R at EMPIRE records in San Francisco. Clayton William grew up in the Bay Area, and started his music journey working with artists like Furious, E-40, YG, Sage The Gemini and then moved to LA to grow as a producer & Dj. Read more>>

Casara Clark

I went to film school at Northwestern and then immediately did the most film school thing possible: spent five years working at an entertainment law firm. Great seat to the independent film industry. Wrong side of it for me. So I quit and became, in no particular order: an actor, writer, director, producer, stand-up comedian, magician, balloon artist, and part-time professional mermaid. Read more>>

Jausalynn King

When I worked in fine dinning I had as boss who introduced me to his sister who happened to be a wedding planner in Ojai. She and I hit it off and the first wedding I would ever be apart of would be at the iconic San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito. Read more>>

Greg Gevojanyan

Honestly, my story looks random until you realize it’s all one thing: sound. I’m a classically trained pianist. I’ve been playing and training my ear for over 20 years, picked up jazz in high school, and I have perfect pitch — meaning I don’t just hear sounds, I hear specific notes. Read more>>

Byron Knight Williams

It seems like all paths have led here. This isn’t my first Voyage, but I believe this is the one that the first one was leading toward. For the past 12 years I’ have lived and worked in Los Angeles. From inside the Hollywood machine itself. I have seen just about every side of this city as well as the industry. Read more>>

Aiman Akhtar

My story started in 1987, born to father in Karachi Pakistan, population 15 mil, and mother from Mumbai, India, population 22 mil. As a result of the nation-states partition, I found myself raised between two worlds, and spending a lot of time in a third dimension, that of cartoons. Read more>>

Dayanis López-Reyes

Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a journalist. What I never imagined was that I would one day work in television—thousands of miles away from where I was born. I came to the United States from Mexico City as a teenager. Starting over in a new country wasn’t easy. Read more>>

Taylor/Cobain Stevens/Rivers

Taylor and Cobain are multifaceted creators first (music, dance, art, film, writing). We actually started as a production company. As we made films and built projects together, we kept noticing the same thing: almost every idea we ever had was born over a cup of coffee. Read more>>

Agina Gruft

I’ve been performing since I was 3 years old and have dedicated my life to music ever since. Over the years, I’ve trained in voice, piano, acting, and a wide range of musical styles including pop, R&B, rock, jazz, classical, and Latin music. Read more>>

Asia Vigil Ellington

I’m Asia Vigil Ellington, a character designer and illustrator currently working in animation at Disney Television Animation! Read more>>

Jamie Madeline Wilson

I often say that birthwork isn’t just about welcoming a baby into the world. It’s about welcoming a family into a new chapter of their lives. For generations, that transition was held by villages, elders, and community. Somewhere along the way, much of that support was lost. I believe my life’s work is helping to restore it. Read more>>

Lisa Wallen

Hello! I’m Lisa Wallen! I’m a Seattle native, now Los Angeles-based stand up comedian, Twitch partner, and on-camera host in both the gaming and anime industries! Read more>>

Daryl McCullough

After 30 years leading a global public relations and marketing firm (Citizen Relations), I stepped into the role of Chairman emeritus and began consulting. Throughout my career, I’ve been named ‘PR Person of the Year,’ Juror at Cannes Lions, and recipient of the highest honors in communications. Read more>>

Tere Rodríguez

My passion for photography began back in 1998 while I was still in high school. I started with film photography, and within a few years worked my way up to a digital. Today I referred to myself as a Chicano/indigenous lifestyle photographer. My specialty falls into portrait, Lowrider scene, and street lifestyle. Read more>>

Lily Kincade

Music has always been the center of my world. I started writing songs as a kid, and at just 14 years old, I moved from Kansas City to Los Angeles to pursue songwriting full-time. It was a leap of faith, but I knew this was the path I was meant to follow. Read more>>

Jeff Nelson

My story with Carmel Belle is really a story about finding a place that felt like home and wanting to share that feeling with others. When I first stepped into the café, I didn’t see a business opportunity — I saw potential, warmth, and a space that could bring people together. Over time, that instinct turned into a calling. Read more>>

Leslie Augustine

I started in dance and acting classes when I was about 3 years old in Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. I loved the performing arts immediately! When I was 6 years old I began studying ballet at the Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley. I also continued acting with Pennsylvania Youth Theater. Read more>>

Shahla Moussly

My story really starts with my parents. Both of them immigrated to the U.S. looking for a better life, and I grew up in a tight-knit immigrant community where hard work and education weren’t just encouraged, they were non-negotiable. Read more>>

Fallon Rabin

From an early age, Fallon’s passion for protecting the environment shaped her journey. This dedication earned her accolades from city officials and fueled her mission to use art as a tool for positive change. Fallon’s art serves as a bridge between the spiritual and the tangible, fostering conversations and inspiring action. Read more>>

Ponti Lambros

I’ve always believed creativity has the power to heal, connect, and transform people. I started Art Rebel nearly two decades ago with a simple idea: art shouldn’t be reserved for artists, it should be accessible to everyone. What began as a small creative experiment evolved into a studio, community, and movement focused on helping people reconnect with the child within. Read more>>

Ann Hearn Tobolowsky

I moved to Los Angeles in 1979 from Georgia to try being an actor. I told myself I didn’t want to find myself at 80 at years old, and never even tried. Not trying was failing, so coming to give it a go was from the outset, a success. Read more>>

Sung Eun (Grace) Park

My path to career in art has been a wounding road. I have always been the kid that doodles and draws anime characters on her textbooks, but coming from an Asian family, pursuing art as a career has never been an option. Read more>>

Briona Reynolds

Right out of high school, my dream was to go to college and study the natural world. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible at the time. Instead, I chose to attend trade school so I could build a career that paid more than minimum wage and eventually work my way back to school. That’s how I found cosmetology. Read more>>

Sarah Mitchell

I was born in Massachusetts and started dancing at the age of two. I haven’t stopped since. My first professional job was cheering for the New England Patriots during the season they won their first Super Bowl. From there, I moved to New York City and competed on Good Morning America to became a Knicks City Dancer. Read more>>

Lucy Smith

I started face painting in 2014 while living in Delaware, my hometown. I moved to California in 2017 and leveled up my skills while working at Universal Studios Hollywood as a face painter/caricature artist. Now I work with local businesses including Castle & Crown and Candeeland. Read more>>

Jeremiah Watson

After graduating from USC’s Marshall School of Business in 2018, I took what felt like the conventional next step and joined RSM, a financial services firm. Within six months, I knew it wasn’t where I was meant to be. I had previously worked part time at a commercial real estate investment firm, and after stumbling upon the BiggerPockets podcast, something clicked. Read more>>

Sean Patrick McGillicuddy

I first got into entertainment through weddings. I had played music most of my life, guitar, bass, drums, singing… Then in my 20’s I fell into DJ’ing. I had a friend who was getting married and their DJ dropped out of their wedding leaving them with only 5 days to find a replacement. Read more>>

Khayla Bulls

I started photography my freshman year of high school. What began as an easy A elective ended up changing the trajectory of my life. After quickly falling in love with everything we were learning, my mom bought me my first camera—a Canon Rebel T5. From that moment on, I photographed everything: trees, shoes, friends, and anything else that caught my eye. Read more>>

Travis Cox

Looking back on my childhood I can see clues that, of course I would be interested in acting and performing and film and comedy etc… Read more>>

Jessica Reynaud

San Diego-born and Southern California based, Jessica Reynaud is the visionary behind the namesake studio. Her journey into interior design and architecture began years ago with a strong passion for connecting people to their spaces. Jessica’s firm was founded on her intuitive grasp of a space’s architectural potential, paired with a unique ability to anticipate her client’s needs and desires. Read more>>

Andrea Gallagher

When people ask me how I became so passionate about caregiving and older adults, they often assume it was because of my parents or because I went looking for this work. The truth is, it began with two neighbors. Fred and Hildy lived just a few houses away. Like many neighbors, we would exchange pleasantries, wave from the driveway, help each other with little things. Read more>>

Courtney Edman

I grew up in the small town of Weirton, tucked away in the rolling hills of northern West Virginia. My dad has served as the pastor of a small Baptist church for more than 30 years, and being a pastor’s daughter has shaped much of who I am today. Read more>>

Carrie Shim

My Journey with K-Beauty blossom began with my personal reason for family health challenges. However, as I built the business, it gradually became something much larger than I had anticipated. I found a purpose and a set of values that continue to guide me today. I noticed a gap in the North American skincare market. Read more>>

Nychelle Hawk

I’ve always been drawn to storytelling. I grew up moving around a lot because my parents were in the military, so every few years meant a new school, new friends, and learning how to find my footing again. I didn’t realize it then, but those experiences gave me a deep curiosity about people, which is probably why acting feels so natural to me. Read more>>

Dani Lyn

Short bio: Originally from NY, I knew I wanted to become a hairstylist when I was just 6 years old. Sitting in a salon, crying like the baby I was, all the stylists in the salon gathered around and made me feel pretty and happy. I knew then and there that a hair salon (2nd only to Disneyland) was the happiest place on earth. Read more>>

Nicole Rodriguez

I started my business at 19 during the peak of COVID. I have always been interested in aesthetics because of my mom who loves to look her very best every day. I was exposed to skincare, makeup, and anything beauty at such a young age. Read more>>

Maren Swanson Sullivan

I’ve always been someone who loves creating things and finding ways to connect people through shared experiences. Before launching LoveHappyHour.com, I spent many years working in the service and hospitality industry. I developed a deep appreciation for restaurants, the people behind them, and the impact a great happy hour can have. Read more>>

Josie Walsh

I was born and raised in Los Angeles to artistic parents, so creativity was part of my world from the very beginning. By the age of five, I knew I wanted to become a professional ballet dancer. That dream was tested at sixteen when I broke my back. Doctors were not sure what my future would look like, but I was determined to return. Read more>>

Will Tetra

My name is Will Tetra. I’m a contemporary painter and printmaker from Oregon, now based in Los Angeles. I’ve been making art since childhood, discovering early on that pushing pigment around could express emotions I didn’t have the language for. From selling drawings as a teenager to creating large-scale works for collectors, my practice has remained a process of discovery. Read more>>

Evi Viana

I’ve danced in many cities, trained in different styles. I have settled for a teaching career in dance at the moment. I’m in a car crew and familiar with the car community. I also model for cars/car shows. I enjoy fixing up and modifying cars. I’ve made great connections from both paths Read more>>

Susie McLean

My husband and I, along with our two children, spent most of our lives in Canada before making the exciting decision to move our family to Los Angeles in 2020. It had been a dream of ours for years, and taking that leap opened the door to an entirely new chapter. Read more>>

Sharon Riche

My dad was a hidden child during the Holocaust. I learned from a very young age it was a miracle my dad survived and our lives were a gift never to be taken for granted. Despite him losing his childhood my dad went on to live a beautiful life of love and meaning and taught me that even in darkness there is always light. Read more>>

Loretta Richert

Heirlume Photography started over ten years ago as a small company of two members. We worked on forming lasting relationships with venues and coordinators in our area, creating a reputation of being team players who always brought a high level of positivity and professionalism to every wedding day. Read more>>

Juan Rodas

Hello my name is Juan Rodas and I run Boxltx Fitness & Boxing, which is a personal training brand inspired by my passion for living an athletic lifestyle, driven by my passion for boxing. I originally started training people right out of high school in the local park for fun. Read more>>

Emma Rojo

I fell in love with photography when I was in elementary school; my dad always had a camera with him and got me tons of disposables that I went through like crazy. For my 5th-grade yearbook quote, I wrote that I wanted to be a photographer when I grew up. Read more>>

Dalina Rivas

I’ve been a hairstylist for nearly two decades, but my journey has never just been about hair. It’s always been about helping people see themselves differently. I grew up speaking Spanish as my first language and found my passion for cosmetology at a young age. Read more>>

K.L. Brown

I have been involved in music since I was about 10 years old, starting in concert band and later picking up rhythm section instruments like bass and guitar in church. My musical influence comes largely from my parents, who constantly played 60s to 80s R&B and classic rock around the house, including artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Prince, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Read more>>

Megan Dolinar

My name is Megan, and I’m a ceramic artist based in Ventura, California. My journey into ceramics wasn’t something I originally planned. I first studied business with the goal of working in the music industry. While I enjoyed learning the business side of things, I found myself craving a creative outlet to balance the structured coursework. Read more>>

Kelsey Gauthier

I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories is my mom picking me up from karaoke night at a family friend’s restaurant in Reno, Nevada, just as the DJ called my name. I was probably 11 years old, wearing braces and long braids, singing ‘Respect’ by Aretha Franklin with absolutely no fear. Read more>>

Vlad Gherghel

My name is Vlad Gherghel, and I am a film director, writer, cinematographer, and actor. Movies have always been part of my life. My father owns a collection of over a thousand DVDs, so I grew up surrounded by film. Looking back, maybe it was inevitable that I would end up here. Read more>>

Luigi Ortega-Rossini

My journey has been driven by a passion for people, community, and marketing. After graduating from California State University, Northridge with a degree in Marketing, I joined Panda Restaurant Group, where I currently work in the warehouse supporting the Supply Chain department. That role has taught me the importance of teamwork, operations, and supporting a larger mission behind the scenes. Read more>>

Mondona Goodwin

Hi, I’m Dr. Mondona Shahrokh, a board-certified Internal Medicine physician with nearly a decade of experience caring for patients in primary care. Throughout my years in traditional medicine, I had the privilege of helping thousands of patients navigate complex health concerns. Read more>>

Esther Zhu

I’ve kinda been drawing for as long as I can remember. Read more>>

AbdulSamir Hamman

My journey has always been driven by curiosity and the belief that creativity and business can work hand in hand. I began in music, which opened doors to incredible opportunities around the world, from performing on international stages to collaborating with talented people from different cultures. That experience taught me that great ideas have no borders. As my career evolved, so did my interests. Read more>>

Raine Nya

My passion for hair began long before I ever had my own clients. Growing up with a mother who was a hairstylist, the salon was like a second home to me. I spent countless days—and many late nights—watching her work her magic behind the chair. I was fascinated by every braid, style, and transformation she created. Read more>>

Jazzlynne Bảo Châu

For me, 2026 was a year of self discovery and learning more about myself and what I wished to do in life. I have always been the person to take opportunities when they appear; yet, the idea of representing Vietnam in the Miss Teen Asia USA pageant seemed like a dream, miles away.

Ted Nordblum

My journey has taken many forms over my lifetime. I started out in construction when I was 18, I get into the Labor’s union, then at 20, I got into the Operating Engineers union where I ran heavy equipment. I accidentally got into acting when I was 21 and it kind of took off for me. I still audition today. Read More>>

Katrina Woods

My story began long before I opened Launchpad Learning Center. For more than a decade, I dedicated my career to education in the Antelope Valley, working with Westside Union School District and a local tutoring company. Every day, I worked with children who were bright, capable, and full of potential, yet many were falling behind academically because they weren’t receiving the individualized support they needed. Read More>>